Melody-
I missed the 11 o'clock update! (*snort*...right back!!)
Any news....I'm SO glad they hatched and didn't die!
Adrienne
Look what I got!
Congratulations, Melody.
And here they are.....not sure exactly how many I have,but at least 15 or 20. I have several kinds of host leaves in my water pitcher, but they seem to prefer the absolutely toughest, rattiest oak leaves.
Guess I'll have to get them some new digs...something more appropriate for growing cats. I wasn't planning on raising these, but they present such a great photographic opportunity, it seems silly to turn them loose to the elements at this point. BugFiles can use the images, and they seem to be fairly content to just hang out on the leaves and eat.
They're not all hatched...some are still dried and shrunken looking, so I'm guessing they won't hatch...there's others that look like they'll pop at any moment though...so the show isn't over yet.
How many instars do they have...and how long till they pupate?
not sure about the Poly as this is going to be my first time raising them but the Luna ate for 22 to almost 30 days to start cocooning. The Pernyi started cocooning at 45 days and continue as we speak
Well, I've got a big rubbermaid container and I'm going to set it up like the one shown in a recent thread. Been hunting a buffet of host plant branches and will get it all set up tonight. (I carried them to work with me today) I've got several different kinds of branches...maybe they'll like something besides these awful oak leaves. I think there's a sassafras on my neighbors back fenceline...maybe there's a soft seedling by now.....
Now, when these pupate, they will just stay that way for the winter...can I put their box in my garage?
I think so Melody. It would be as if they were outsdie but with a little more protection from the elements
Excellent photos Melody!!! Thanks for sharing :o)
~ Cat
I had some hatch today and they seem to be taking the wax myrtle pretty good so far.
Congrats Melody...those cats are too cute!
Well, I found a young Pin Oak with some acceptable leaves and they are chowing down with great gusto. I have an assortment of varieties for them to choose from though...but they seem to really like the oak...and the elderberry.